South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for peace and stability following the recent national election, which saw his African National Congress (ANC) party lose its majority for the first time in 30 years. This significant shift marks a new era in South African politics, where the ANC, once led by Nelson Mandela, must now navigate coalition governance.
Election Results
The election results announced on Sunday revealed a historic low for the ANC, securing only 40.2% of the vote, a sharp decline from 57.5% in the 2019 parliamentary vote. This drop reflects widespread voter dissatisfaction with issues such as joblessness, inequality, and frequent power outages. The ANC’s loss of majority means it will likely need to form a coalition with a major political rival to maintain power, a first in the post-apartheid era.
Ramaphosa’s Response
In his weekly newsletter, President Ramaphosa emphasized the need for responsible leadership and constructive engagement, rejecting any threats of violence or instability. “This moment in our country calls for responsible leadership and constructive engagement,” he wrote. “There can be no place for threats of violence or instability.”
Political Speculations
The ANC’s poor performance has led to speculation about Ramaphosa’s future, with concerns that coalition demands or internal party challenges could threaten his leadership. However, senior ANC officials have publicly supported Ramaphosa, and analysts note the absence of a clear successor.
Reaction from Other Parties
Former President Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto we Sizwe party, which unexpectedly came third with 14.6% of the vote, has hinted at a possible court challenge to the election results. Zuma’s supporters, who previously rioted when he was arrested for contempt of court in 2021, are a source of concern for potential unrest.
Call for Unity
Ramaphosa urged South Africans to uphold the constitutional order and reject any attempts to undermine it. “South Africans must stand firm against any attempts to undermine the constitutional order … for which so many struggled and sacrificed,” he said.
Conclusion
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s appeal for peace underscores the delicate political landscape in South Africa following the ANC’s unprecedented election setback. As the nation transitions into a new phase of coalition governance, maintaining stability and adhering to constitutional principles will be crucial for its future.
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Written By Joe Brens